Big Dega – Un Disordine Qualsiasi
After years of establishing himself as a formidable rapper and producer in Italy’s hip-hop landscape, Lecce-born artist Big Dega takes a bold artistic leap with “Un Disordine Qualsiasi” (“Any Disorder”), his seventh album and first fully instrumental offering. This collection of nine meticulously crafted soundscapes showcases Big Dega’s evolution from wordsmith to sonic architect, presenting a rich tapestry of samples, beats, and atmospheric textures that speak volumes without uttering a single word.
The album opens with “Dimenticar,” a track built around an irresistibly off-kilter beat paired with samples that sound plucked straight from the 1920s. This time-traveling aesthetic immediately establishes the record’s penchant for unexpected juxtapositions and temporal displacements. Without skipping a beat, “Escape” follows with robust percussion that evokes the nostalgic charm of early computer game soundtracks and demo scenes reminiscent of the “Unreal”-demo van de Future Crew from the early ’90s.
“You” serves as the album’s first moment of respite, incorporating classical piano elements that provide a melodic counterpoint to the more rhythm-driven tracks. This brief interlude sets up “Terra,” perhaps the most surprising composition on the record, which ventures into territory adjacent to Gregorian chant while maintaining Big Dega’s signature production style.
Midway through, “Vetri” reveals the producer’s experimental tendencies. This track defies easy categorization, playfully challenging listeners’ expectations while showcasing Big Dega’s willingness to push boundaries. It’s followed by “Rush,” an aural representation of metropolitan chaos where harpsichord notes, thundering beats, synth patterns, and disparate samples collide to create a surprisingly coherent sonic cityscape.
“Over” returns to a more contemplative pace, offering another well-placed moment of calm before “Disordine” arrives with its tight rhythmic foundation, hypnotic synthesizers, and playful effects. The album’s title track perfectly embodies the organized chaos that defines this collection, balancing structure and spontaneity with remarkable finesse.
Closing the journey is “Istante,” which notably echoes elements from the opening track “Dimenticar.” This clever bookending creates a satisfying circular structure that gives the entire album a sense of completion and purpose. At just under 22 minutes total, “Un Disordine Qualsiasi” is concise but substantial, with each track offering a distinct mood while contributing to a cohesive whole.
What’s particularly impressive about this record is Big Dega’s ability to maintain his distinctive voice despite the absence of lyrics. His production signatures—layered samples, meticulous beat construction, and unexpected sonic pairings—create a narrative that’s just as compelling as his previous vocal-driven works. For longtime fans, this instrumental turn represents not an abandonment of his roots but an expansion of his artistic vision.
“Un Disordine Qualsiasi” stands as a testament to Big Dega’s growth as a producer and his willingness to take creative risks. It’s a rewarding listen for those who appreciate instrumental hip-hop, electronic music with analog sensibilities, or simply the art of soundscape creation. In crafting this beautiful disorder, Big Dega has found a new and exciting order to his musical expression. (8/10) (Big Dega)
